Amsterdam Red Light District 2-Hour Walking Tour
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is a destination that attracts tourists for its beautiful canals, museums, and unique architecture. However, there is one particular area of the city that is not to be missed - the infamous Red Light District. If you're looking for a fascinating and unique experience during your stay in Amsterdam, a 2-hour walking tour of the Red Light District is an excellent way to do it.
What is Amsterdam's Red Light District?
The Red Light District, also known as "De Wallen" to locals, is a part of the city center that has been designated as an area where sex work is allowed. It's a place with a reputation for pleasure-seeking, where tourists come to explore the city's liberal attitudes towards sex and drugs. The district comprises of narrow alleyways lined with brothels, sex shops, and peep shows. The women who work in the windows, called "window girls" or "window workers," are visible from the street and attract curious onlookers.
What to Expect on a 2-Hour Walking Tour of the Red Light District
A 2-hour walking tour of the Red Light District is an excellent way to explore this fascinating part of Amsterdam. A knowledgeable guide will take you on a journey through the district, explaining its history and culture, and highlighting the best places to see. You'll learn about Amsterdam's liberal attitudes towards sex and drugs, hear stories about the district's most famous residents, and visit the area's most interesting spots.
The tour typically starts at the Oude Kerk (Old Church), a beautiful medieval church located in the heart of the Red Light District. From there, you'll wander through the narrow alleyways, past the brightly lit brothels and sex shops, and learn about the area's unique history and culture. Along the way, your guide will fill you in on some of the fascinating details about the district. For example, did you know that the Red Light District was once home to some of Amsterdam's most famous painters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer? Or that Amsterdam's liberal attitudes towards sex were born out of a desire to combat sexually transmitted diseases in the 17th century?
The tour will also take you past the district's famous coffee shops, where marijuana is legally sold and consumed. You'll learn about the city's drug policy, which is based on harm reduction rather than criminalization. The tour will end back where it began, at the Oude Kerk, where you can enjoy a drink at a local bar with your guide and fellow tourists.
Why Take a 2-Hour Walking Tour of the Red Light District?
The Red Light District is a fascinating and unique part of Amsterdam, but it can be challenging to navigate on your own. A 2-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable guide can help you get the most out of your visit. Here are just a few reasons why taking a tour is a good idea:
- You'll learn about the district's history and culture from a knowledgeable guide, who can answer any questions you might have and provide you with interesting facts and anecdotes.
- You'll get insider tips on the best places to visit, including the most interesting bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in the area.
- You'll avoid getting lost or wandering into an unsafe area, which is especially important for solo travelers.
- You'll meet other travelers and have the opportunity to make new friends.
Conclusion
A 2-hour walking tour of Amsterdam's Red Light District is an excellent way to discover the history and culture of this unique area. You'll learn about the city's liberal attitudes towards sex and drugs, explore the area's fascinating history, and visit some of the district's most interesting spots. An experienced guide will show you the best places to go, answer your questions, and provide you with insider tips. So, if you're planning a trip to Amsterdam, don't miss the opportunity to explore this fascinating part of the city with a 2-hour walking tour of the Red Light District.
